Abstract: For use on a wheelchair, a wheel assembly has a change speed gear mounted in the wheel hub. A handwheel is connected to the input of the speed gear and the output of the speed gear is connected to the hub. A free wheel device can be provided between the handwheel and the speed gear. To prevent unwanted backward movement, a clutch assembly can be provided. The clutch assembly engages with a member attached to the hub and permits forward movement only. The clutch can be disengageable. The footrests of the wheelchair can be pivoted up and down by a hand lever mounted on the wheelchair and connected, as by a cable, to a lever on the footrest. A hand lever is provided on each side of the wheelchair.